Windsor Castle

by William Harrison Ainsworth

Overview

In the twentieth year of the reign of the right high and puissant King Henry the Eighth, namely, in 1529, on the 21st of April, and on one of the loveliest evenings that ever fell on the loveliest district in England, a fair youth, having somewhat the appearance of a page, was leaning over the terrace wall on the north side of Windsor Castle, and gazing at the magnificent scene before him. On his right stretched the broad green expanse forming the Home Park, studded with noble trees, chiefly consisting of ancient oaks, of which England had already learnt to be proud, thorns as old or older than the oaks, wide-spreading beeches, tall elms, and hollies. The disposition of these trees was picturesque and beautiful in the extreme. Here, at the end of a sweeping vista, and in the midst of an open space covered with the greenest sward, stood a mighty broad-armed oak, beneath whose ample boughs, though as yet almost destitute of foliage, while the sod beneath them could scarcely boast a head of fern, couched a herd of deer. (Excerpt from Goodreads)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783958648548
Publisher:	Otbebookpublishing
Publication date:	10/24/2017
Series:	Classics To Go
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	440
File size:	659 KB

About the Author

William Harrison Ainsworth (1805-1882) was a prolific English historical novelist whose works captivated Victorian readers with their vivid depictions of England's past. Born in Manchester, Ainsworth initially pursued a career in law but soon found his true calling in literature. He quickly became a central figure in the literary circles of his time, mingling with luminaries such as Charles Dickens and Sir Walter Scott.Ainsworth's novels often delved into the darker aspects of history, blending romance, adventure, and gothic elements. His works were serialized in popular magazines, making them accessible to a broad audience and cementing his status as a household name. Ainsworth's ability to weave historical fact with fiction not only entertained but also educated his readers about England's rich and tumultuous history.One of the most intriguing aspects of Ainsworth's career was his knack for courting controversy. His vivid and sometimes sensational portrayals of historical events and figures occasionally drew the ire of critics who accused him of prioritizing drama over accuracy. Despite this, his novels were immensely popular and influenced a generation of writers who admired his ability to bring history to life.Ainsworth was also a pioneer in the literary marketplace, understanding the power of serialization and the burgeoning mass market for books. His influence extended beyond his own works, as he championed the careers of other writers and was instrumental in the development of the historical novel as a genre.In an era of rapid social and industrial change, Ainsworth's novels offered readers an escape into the past while subtly commenting on the present. His legacy endures as a testament to the power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of history.
William Harrison Ainsworth (4 February 1805 – 3 January 1882) was an English historical novelist born at King Street in Manchester. He trained as a lawyer, but the legal profession held no attraction for him. While completing his legal studies in London he met the publisher John Ebers, at that time manager of the King's Theatre, Haymarket. Ebers introduced Ainsworth to literary and dramatic circles, and to his daughter, who became Ainsworth's wife. (Wikipedia)

Read an Excerpt

secured. The butcher was then brought forth, bound hand and foot, and the noose was thrown over his neck. While this was passing, the wretched man descried a person looking at him from a window in a wooden structure projecting from the side of the tower. "What! are you there, MorganFenwolf?" he cried. "Remember what passed between us in the dungeon last night, and be warned! You will not meet your end as firmly as I meet mine." "Make thy shrift quickly, fellow, if thou hast aught to say," interposed one of the halberdiers. "I have no shrift to make," rejoined the butcher. "I have already settled my account with Heaven. God preserve Queen Catherine!" As he uttered these words, he was thrust off from the battlements by the halberdiers, and his body swung into the abyss, amid the hootings and execrations of the spectators below. Having glutted his eyes with the horrible sight, Henry descended from the tower, and returned to Anne Boleyo. How King Henry the Eighth held a chapter of the Garter; how he attended vespers and matins in Saint George's Chapel; and how he feasted with the knights-companions in Saint George's Hall. From a balcony overlooking the upper ward, Anne Boleyn beheld the king's approach on his return from the Garter Tower, and waving her hand smilingly to him, she withdrew into the presence- chamber. Hastening to her, Henry found her surrounded by her ladies of honour, by the chief of the nobles and knights who had composed her train from Hampton Court, and by the Cardinals Wolsey and Campeggio; and having exchanged a few words with her, he took her hand, and led her to the upper part of the chamber, where two chairs of state were set beneath a canopy of crimson velvetembroidered with the royal arms, and placed her in the seat, hitherto allotte...